Hi everyone! I'm new here and wanted to say "Hello" and ask a beginner type question.I'm a private pilot, so I've had actual VFR flight training. I've flown sims VFR off and on over that last few years. But now I'd like to get a bit more serious about my sim flying. I'm thinking about learning IFR, and participating in some groups or more structured simulation environments. And, I'd like to make some sim flying friends along the way. So, if any of you have suggestions on how I should get started I'd sure like to hear them.I've been away from sim flying for a few years. I used to fly Il Sturmovik and an earlier version of Flight Simulator. Now I have X-Plane 9 on my machine, and will have FSX installed shortly. In coming back to sims, I'm finding the massive resources a bit overwhelming. I'm not sure how to organize my "getting started again" effort. Your ideas will be greatly appreciated.Thanks!!!

Hi George,If you're looking for a good learning environment with realism and structure, look into VATSIM or IVAO. Both are online networks with hundreds of connections at any given time — thousands when it's busy. They basically provide a massive community of live air traffic control and live traffic, of which you can be either. Both have very good communities which avsim complements nicely if you ever have problems, so I'd recommend a look into both!Best of luck!

Hey, thanks Puffmac! I've taken a look at VATSIM, and I intend to check our IVAO too. I didn't know about that kind of organization, and I think it looks like something I'd like. Do you participate in one or the other? How do they compare?

I only use VATSIM where I am rated as a tower controller and where I also fly.I have never tried IVAO. The software etc. can be quite daunting at first to set up from personal experience, and I think IVAO might have the edge with the pilot connection software. Though if you're looking to be a controller, having used the controller software on both sides, VATSIM wins hands down in my opinion.If you decide to join and get stuck don't hesitate to ask :)

I think IVAO has more traffic in europe and VATSIM has more traffic in the US.Check out the pilot training course at Los Angeles's website here: http://pilotcerts.laartcc.org/page/ratings.htmlThey offer awesome training flights to be flown while connected and speaking to a controller.Also the VATSIM PRC is your first stop if you're thinking about flying with ATChttp://www.vatsim.net/prc/